Interview Strategy
I Have an Interview, Now What?
Before the Interview:
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Get the facts on the company
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Answer the question: "Why this Organization?"
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Arrive early – 10 minutes
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Get psyched up – know that some nervousness is natural and gives you
the positive edge of alertness
During the Interview:
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Follow the lead of the interviewer
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Accentuate the positive – if asked, address the negative directly, but in
a positive light -
Be enthusiastic and genuine
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When possible, answer the question by giving an example to support your answer, i.e. Question: Tell me about your work ethic.
Response: I carried 15 credits each semester while holding down two part-time jobs to finance 100% of my education. -
Be prepared to discuss future plans and goals
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Ask questions – especially informed questions about the company
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Be a participant
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Note: The initial interview is NOT the time to inquire about salary!
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Terminating the interview may be as important as a good first impression:
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let them know you are interested in the position
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thank the interviewer for his/her time
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ask for a business card
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clarify future follow-up arrangements
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After the interview:
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Make notes
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Write a thank you – IMMEDIATELY
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Keep in touch – be pleasant and persistent
What IS Behavioral Interviewing?
You may encounter this form of questioning in your next interview. The first step to handling this with ease is to learn the WHY of Behavioral Interviewing. Behavior description interviews are based on the premise that past actions are the best predictors of future behavior. This strategy is often integrated into the traditional interview process and is designed to obtain the most information about a past behavior as it relates to specific job skills.
A critical incident is an event or behavior that defines successful job performance in the eyes of peers and supervisors. A company may survey its employees and supervisors to gather descriptions of incidents that have occurred at different levels of the firm that would be examples of effective or successful behavior in dealing with clients or in problem solving. These critical incidents are examined to determine the skills they demonstrate and are used to develop specific interview questions for a given job that would require the skills exhibited in that incident or situation.
Now that you know a bit about the WHY of the Behavioral Interview, visit Career Services to investigate the HOW! We offer Interview Skills Workshops in the fall and spring and individual Mock Interviews to sharpen your skills in a supportive environment.
On Campus Interviews
Where can you find a more convenient place to interview than right here on campus? Answer, nowhere! Visit Career Services web site to view the on-campus interview possibilities. Other companies/organizations may be added at any time; check each week for changes.
You need to register online in order to sign up for an interview. You may sign up online for an interview once your registration is entered and approved by Career Services. Information on the companies recruiting also can be found online. All interviews take place at the Career Services Office unless otherwise noted.
Before a campus interview, be sure to RESEARCH THE COMPANY on their web site or read the literature on file in the Resource Center, CMU 114, if provided by the company. Recruiters expect this level of preparation. Some companies also provide extra copies of company literature. Check Career Services to see if literature is available. Since some recruiters need to change the date of their visit on campus or make other changes, check DragonCareers a day or two before your interview for any changes.
"Adversity has the effect of eliciting talents, which in prosperous circumstances would have lain dormant." -- Horace 65-8 B.C.
Predictors of Success
Identify those that fit in with your experiences, personality and work style and include elements of these predictors in your interviews, resume, and cover letters. Consciously cultivate learning experiences in course projects, internships, and employment experiences that can strengthen these qualities or provide concrete examples to bring up in an interview.
Effective Interpersonal Communication Skills
Ability to find Solutions to Problems
Positive Attitude
Ethics and Integrity
Ambition and Motivation
Teamwork Capabilities,
Stellar Work Habits
Solid Academic Background (Grades – the very best you can earn)
Related Work Experience
Excellent Written and Verbal Communication Skills
Creativity and Intelligence
Related Skills or Courses
Job "Fit" — Seek a job that fits YOU rather than trying to fit
yourself to a job. Provide supportive evidence in the interview if
the job truly is the right fit.
Adaptability
Leadership Ability
Interviewing Tips for Teachers
Be Prepared:
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With a biographical sketch – often interviewers begin with
statements like, "tell me about yourself." -
To discuss your classroom teaching experience(s). Strengths and
weaknesses evidenced in student teaching should be realistically
appraised. -
With a Philosophy of Education – a brief statement of your ideas on
goals and purposes as a teacher is often adequate. -
To discuss your personal views of such subjects as: grading,
discipline, lesson planning, individualizing instruction, collaborating with colleagues. -
With meaningful questions – good questions often develop from and
about the discussion. "Turn-back questions" are often effective.
An example would be: you are asked for your views on
discipline—give them. Afterward, ask about the school policies or views
on discipline. -
To answer hypothetical situation questions — the "What would
you do if…" questions. -
To be conversant about texts, programs, and curriculum studies in your
field of specialization.
"If opportunity doesn't knock, build a door." Milton Berle
Elevator Interview
Imagine that you are alone on the elevator and the CEO of your company gets on and pushes the button for the top floor. This gives you about 30 seconds to make a first and excellent impression. How do you go about creating a positive impact that will get you noticed for the next big project? The following are key elements to remember for your elevator interview. This introduction is also an important technique to use when approaching recruiters at Career and Job Fairs.
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Introduce yourself and where you work in the company or your university
and major if you are an intern or a new graduate. -
Be positive, confident and offer an enthusiastic handshake.
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Try to generate and maintain interest by smiling and presenting specific and
concise examples of your contributions and commitment to the organization. -
Keep your voice lively and maintain a pleasant vocal tone.
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Exhibit posture that will keep your non-verbal communication positive.
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End the conversation when you reach your floor and express appreciation for
his/her time.